The Canadair CT-133 Silver Star, was the Canadian license built version of the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer aircraft, in service from 1952 to 2005. The Canadian version was powered by the higher thrust Rolls-Royce Nene 10 turbojet, whereas the Lockheed used the Allison J33. In total Canadair manufactured 656 aircraft between 1952 and 1959.

John (Jack) Fallow Allan was born in Nanton, Alberta in 1917. After attending school in Nanton, he joined the RCAF as an aero-engine mechanic, six months before war was declared in September 1939.

The following year he became a pilot and went on to serve in North Africa flying Hurricanes and Spitfires with No. 33 Squadron RAF from March 1942 until May 1943. During this time he engaged in dog-fights, shooting down two enemy aircraft and claiming another two as "probables." He also provided cover for shipping and attacked enemy army vehicles. Jack flew thirteen operations during the pivotal Battle of El Alamein.

Allan then served as a test pilot in Egypt until he was posted back to Canada in January 1944.

Following the war, Jack flew the F-86 Sabre and in 1952 became the C/O of No. 414 Fighter Squadron. From 1953 to 1956 he was Chief Flying Officer with No. 4 Wing in Germany, returning to Canada as the Commanding Officer of No. 1 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit.

W/C Allan helped form the Golden Hawks RCAF Aerobatics Team. It first flew in 1959 as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Flight in Canada.

From 1960 to 1962, W/C Allan was the Commanding Officer of the Golden Hawks. Although he had been a Sabre squadron C/O, he had no experience in aerobatics. However, he was in charge of the team and travelled with them, flying a T-33 that was painted in Golden Hawks' markings. The golden T-33 was a real crowd pleaser, so Jack often made low passes on arrival and departure as the team visited the many air shows and other functions they performed at.

Jack completed his air force career as Commanding Officer of the radar base at Beaverbank, Nova Scotia. He retired to Kelowna, British Columbia in 1964 and passed away in 1973.

The Model

This is the fourth Canadian T-33 Silver Star released by Falcon Models and this time represents the Commanding Officer's aircraft of the World Famous RCAF "Golden Hawks" Air Demonstration team circa 1961. This model is a real "looker" and of all my Falcon T-33s - this one is now my favourite.

One thing that stands out is how well the gold colour matches the recently released Hobby Master F-86 Sabre 5. Since most collectors will have the F-86 already in their collection, they can confidently display the two together as a matching set. Overall all the parts fit together well. The paint quality is above average. A display stand is included and you have the option of displaying the model gear up or down. Falcon does not come with pilots, but since I have two copies of the HM F-86 I decided to place two Pilots in their correct Golden Hawks Uniforms into the cockpit for my photos. The only small error on the model I can see is that the black paint on the nose of the aircraft carries on about a millimetre too far down. Overall the model is very attractive and I highly recommend it for anyone with a Canadian or Air Demonstration Team theme.

Dan

Below: Seen with the recently released Hobby Master RCAF "Golden Hawks" F-86.